Crime Solvers Central
Crime Solvers Central
302 Cases Solved. Advancing justice for missing persons, unsolved homicides, unidentified and unclaimed remains.

Case Description

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Summary based on the NamUs case record (MP14418) and 5 other sources
Stephen Packard, an 18-year-old male, was last seen on June 10, 1974, while traveling along the California coast. He and a friend, Linda Lovell, were hitchhiking and had plans to hike the Pacific Coast Trail from Mexico to Oregon. Their ultimate destination was the World's Fair in Spokane, Washington, after which they intended to visit Lovell's family in Missoula, Montana. On June 10, Packard called his family from Stinson Beach, California, marking his last direct contact with them.

Ten days later, on June 20, 1974, a traveler’s check in Packard's name was cashed at a store in Westport, California, but this was the last trace of either Packard or Lovell. Despite extensive searches, neither the pair nor further evidence of their whereabouts was uncovered, and their disappearance remains unsolved. Both Packard and Lovell were familiar with outdoor travel, adding to the mystery surrounding their sudden disappearance. Authorities continue to classify the case as endangered missing, with no leads having surfaced in the decades since.

Packard, a tall young man at 6'3", had blond hair and brown eyes and had suffered a broken hand about six months prior to his disappearance. Despite the passage of time, his family and law enforcement hope that someone with information might still come forward to help resolve the case.

Last Seen: Jun 10, 1974

Possible Unidentified Matches (2)

Unidentified remains cases whose details are consistent with this person, ranked by how closely they compare. Fields that are unknown in either case are left out of the score.

79%Possible
John Doe — Rio Dell, California
UP55719 • Found Dec 22, 1975
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 95%Est. 20–30 vs 18 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 86%62 mi away, same state
TimingFound 18 months after last seen
Height 100%5'10"–6'2" vs 6'3"
76%Possible
John Doe — Covelo, California - unidentified case UP124271
John Doe — Covelo, California
UP124271 • Found Oct 24, 2023
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 58–72 vs 18 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 95%30 mi away, same county
TimingFound 49 years after last seen
Height 100%6'1"–6'3" vs 6'3"

These comparisons are generated automatically from public NamUs case data and are not confirmed identifications. Only DNA, dental or fingerprint comparison by investigators can confirm an identity. If you believe two cases are connected, contact the agency handling the unidentified case.

Unidentified photos are blurred because many are post-mortem. Tap a photo to reveal it.